Bridgestone has announced a new development in tire construction that provides more stylistic possibilities.
Tires displaying unique multi-colored patterns or even images copied from photographs could be printed on tire sidewalls. Apparently such design options could be made available to consumers soon.
Currrently with typical tire construction, white rubber has always been used on the sidewalls to make white ribbon (aka whitewalls) and white lettering. This process requires the use of large amounts of white rubber to prevent discoloration and to also maintain high durability. The construction process of creating whitewalls and lettering can add weight to the tire.
Bridgestone's advanced tire printing technology does away with the white rubber construction method and prints a new layer on the tire instead. Using newly developed inks, such printing can protect from discoloration and protect from external damage on the surface.
With this new technology Bridgestone could change the entire landscape of the tire industry. Such an option could transform tire shopping from necessity and function to a purchase of personal expression. At the same time white rubber construction becomes obsolete resulting in saved weight and increased fuel efficiency.
No estimated time of arrival has been given but Bridgestone states they plan to bring this tire printing technology to market soon.


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